The historic Swiss city of Basel (known as Bâle in French), located along the mighty River Rhine, grazes the border between France and Germany. It is a magnet for lovers of art and architecture, with a wealth of museums, galleries and iconic buildings.
However, for something a bit different to do in Basel, look no further than the Rehberger Weg (Rehberger Way).
To help you walk the 24 stops Rehberger Weg, here is a guide on how to get there, how to do it and what there is to see.
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What is the 24 Stops Rehberger Weg?
In keeping with Basel’s artistic edge, the Rehberger Weg is a 5km art trail that links Switzerland and Germany and two cultural institutions, the Fondation Beyeler in Riehen and the Vitra Campus in Weil am Rhein.
This is a lesson in collaboration: between two countries, two communities and two esteemed art institutions. Combining walking with art, this trail is waymarked with 24 public art installations – 24 stops – created by the eponymous Tobias Rehberger.
Rehberger Weg’s 24 stops
Rehberger Weg’s 24 stops are no ordinary waymarkers. These large, brightly-coloured waymarkers are sometimes functional, often amusing and always bold and beautiful and are in stark contrast to their natural surroundings.
Ring the large brass bell to start the walk. Rest by the cuckoo clock (how very Swiss!), throw any trash in the vibrantly painted rubbish bins or have a drink at the fountain.
How to Get from Central Basel to Fondation Beyeler, Riehen
But first things first. You will need to get to the starting point of the Rehberger Weg at the Fondation Beyeler at Riehen, in the suburbs of Basel.
From Bahnhof Basel SBB (Basel’s Swiss station) take tram #2 towards Eglisee to the Basel, Badischer Bahnhof tram stop.
Then change to tram #6 towards Riehen Grenze and alight at the Fondation Beyeler tram stop.
FEELING PECKISH?
If you are feeling hungry, I recommend alighting one stop early at Riehen Dorf and having lunch, washed down with a glass of the excellent local Chardonnay at Restaurant Landgasthof.
From here, walking five minutes in the direction of the tram will bring you to Fondation Beyeler.
Fondation Beyeler, Riehen
The Fondation Beyeler, a museum of modern and contemporary art, is considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful museums.
The museum, designed by Renzo Piano, is located in an English park complete with mature trees, and water lily ponds, and effectively combines art with nature for a sensory experience.
Walking from Fondation Beyeler to Weil am Rhein
Take the path behind the museum.
You will now amble through open countryside, past fields of corn ten feet high (it was approaching harvest time when I visited). Crossing the River Weise, you reach the deserted border post between Switzerland and Germany, and the sleepy residential streets of Weil am Rhein.
Leaving the main street, you walk up a steep hill that brings you to rolling vineyards, each cultivating a different variety of grape. This forms part of the wine route of Weil, or Weilweg.
Eventually, you take a path to your left that winds its way down to the Vitra Campus, which you will be able to see in the distance.
Vitra Campus, Weil am Rhein
The Vitra Campus, the endpoint of the Rehberger Weg, is best known for two things: its ensemble of contemporary architecture and furniture design, most notably Eames chairs.
How to Get from the Vitra Campus
Weil am Rhein train station is a 25-minute walk from the Vitra Campus.
Alternatively, bus #55 will bring you there. If you are returning to Basel, take tram #8 from the station.
Is it worth walking the Rehberger Weg?
It is well worth walking the Rehberger Weg.
Although not all of the art installations marking the way weren’t to my taste – most comprised wooden blocks painted in primary colours – the Rehberger Weg provides a great framework for a walk across two countries, and an excuse to take a peek at two very different art institutions
Tips for Walking the Rehberger Weg
- You can pick up a free, detailed route map from the friendly tourist information office at Bahnhof Basel SBB or the museum counter in Fondation Beyeler and on the Vitra Campus.
- Alternatively, download a Rehberger Weg hiking map.
- There is very little shelter en route or an opportunity to top up drinking water. Bring plenty of sunscreen and water.
Planning Train Travel in Switzerland
Packing a good guidebook to help you to plan train travel in Switzerland, and explore the country whilst you are there, can be a smart move.
I recommend this excellent Bradt guide which I used when I was visiting Switzerland. This is easily the best guide to exploring Switzerland by public transport on the market.
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